Nozzle testing apparatus and method

ABSTRACT

A method for testing the integrity of welds used to secure a nozzle to a vessel and the like comprises forming a sealed space within the nozzle by providing a blind against the flange and a sealing plate within the vessel and filling the space with a pressurizing fluid. The sealing plate is not biased against the flange. As such, the method of the invention simulates normally occurring axial expansion stresses within the nozzle thereby providing a more accurate test. The apparatus of the invention comprises a blind flange for sealing the flange face and a back plate for positioning against the inner surface of the vessel. The apparatus includes a biasing means for urging the back plate against the vessel wall. In one embodiment, the biasing means includes a front plate located outside of the vessel and connected to the back plate. In another embodiment, the biasing means comprises a plurality of magnets for engaging the vessel wall.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of PCT application numberPCT/CA2007/001034, filed Jun. 12, 2007 and which claims priority fromU.S. application Ser. No. 60/804,530, filed Jun. 12, 2006. The entiredisclosures of these prior applications are incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for testing weldsand, more particularly, for testing welds on nozzles or other suchfixtures. In one particular aspect, the invention is suited for testingwelds while simultaneously applying an axial stress within the nozzle.

2. Description of the Prior Art

In chemical or petrochemical plants etc., it is often necessary toconvey fluidic materials from one location, or holding cell to another.The conveyance of such material normally includes equipment such asconduits or pipes, storage or reaction vessels etc., which are generallymanufactured from metal. The joining of separate pieces of the conveyingequipment is generally achieved by welding the necessary piecestogether. For example, when joining adjacent ends of pipe together, itis common for each end to be provided with flanges, welded to eachrespective end, which are then bolted together to form a seal.Alternatively, the ends of pipes or other equipment may be weldeddirectly together for form the necessary conduit. In either case, itwill be appreciated that each welded joint must form a complete seal soas to prevent leakage of the materials being transported. This isparticularly the case when handling potentially hazardous (i.e.flammable) or toxic materials.

For reasons of safety, it is often necessary to periodically test theintegrity of the welds used in joining the various pieces of equipment(such as pipes, vessels, flanges and the like) together. However, aparticular problem is encountered when attempting to test the integrityof welds used in joining a nozzle to a pipe or vessel. Nozzles generallycomprise a short conduit with one end inserted into or abutting anopening in a pipe or vessel and an opposite end having a flange. Thejoints between the conduit portion of the nozzle and the pipe or vesseland the flange, respectively, are sealed with welds. As is known in theart, nozzles can range in size from less than an inch to up to severalfeet in diameter.

The prior art teaches various tools for conducting weld integrity testson conduits. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,131,441 and 5,844,127 (Berubeand Carson) (the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein byreference) teach weld testing tools which isolate a particular sectionof a pipe (for example, a section including a weld) and subject thesection to a high pressure fluid within a constrained annular spacedefined by the tool and the inner surface of the pipe. The pressure ofthe fluid within the annular space is monitored whereby any pressuredrop signifies a leak in the weld.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,463,791 (Berube and Carson) (the entire disclosure ofwhich is incorporated herein by reference) teaches an apparatus fortesting welds used to secure nozzles. As shown in FIG. 1 of thisreference, the apparatus comprises a first seal plate that is placed onthe inner surface of the vessel (for example) and a second seal platethat is secured to the outer, flange portion (i.e. the flange face) ofthe nozzle. The seal plates are connected to each other and the sealsare formed by urging one against the other. In this manner, the nozzlevolume is sealed and a pressurizing fluid is introduced therein. As willbe understood, the process of urging the plates towards each othercauses an axial compressive force to be applied on the flange and hencethe welds provided on the nozzle.

Although the above-described references provide efficient tools fortesting welds, they are designed to apply mainly a radial force againstthe weld. However, there exists a need for exerting further stresses onwelds for providing a “worst case scenario” so that such welds can betested under extreme conditions. More particularly, there exists a needto conduct weld tests while applying an axial expansion force on thewelds being tested.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the present invention provides a method of testing weldsprovided on a nozzle comprising: sealing the opposite ends of thenozzle; pressurizing the interior of the nozzle; monitoring the nozzleinternal pressure; without applying an axial compressive force on thenozzle. Such method would, therefore, simulate normal axially expansivestresses on the weld during the test and increase the accuracy ofthereof.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a weld testingapparatus or assembly for testing the integrity of welds securing anozzle to a vessel and the like wherein the apparatus includes: a meansto seal the flange end of the nozzle; a means to seal the vessel openingend of the nozzle; and a means to pressurize the nozzle interior. Theapparatus also includes a means for monitoring the pressure within thenozzle for identifying the presence of leaks or other defects in thewelds.

Thus, in one aspect, the invention provides a weld testing apparatus fortesting welds securing a nozzle to a vessel, the nozzle having a stemportion welded to an opening in the vessel wall and an opposite flangeportion extending outward from the opening, the flange having an outerface, the apparatus comprising:

-   -   a blind for mounting on the flange outer face for sealingly        closing the flange;    -   a back plate for mounting within the vessel to close the vessel        opening;    -   a means for biasing the back plate against the vessel wall to        form a seal there-between;    -   a means for pressurizing the space within the nozzle between the        blind and the back plate.

In another aspect, the invention provides a method of testing theintegrity of a weld securing a nozzle to a vessel, the nozzle having astem portion welded to an opening in the vessel wall and an oppositeflange portion extending outward from the opening, the flange having anouter face, the method comprising:

-   -   sealing the flange face with a blind;    -   providing a back plate within the vessel, the back plate being        larger than the opening;    -   urging the back plate towards the vessel wall to form a seal        there-between, without applying a compressive force on the        flange;    -   creating a sealed space within the nozzle, the space being        bounded by the inner surface of the nozzle, the blind and the        back plate, the space encompassing a region containing the weld;    -   filling and pressurizing the space with a pressurizing fluid,        whereby a radial expansion stress is applied against the nozzle        and an axial expansion stress is applied against the flange;    -   monitoring the pressure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features of the invention will become more apparent inthe following detailed description in which reference is made to theappended drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view of a weld testing apparatus for nozzlesas known in the prior art.

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the apparatus of the inventionaccording to one embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of the inventionaccording to another embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the backplate shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of the inventionaccording to another embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the backplate shown in FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Throughout the description of the invention the following terms will beassumed to have the following associated meanings:

“Vessel”—will be understood to mean any equipment or apparatus to whicha nozzle is attached. As such, the term “vessel” will include vesselsper se, pipes, drums, and any other similar equipment. It will beunderstood that the term “vessel” is used herein simply as a convenientway to encompass all such equipment or apparatus.

“Annular”—this term is used to describe a body having at least one outerdiameter and at least one inner diameter. Thus, an “annular tube” willbe assumed to be a hollow tube with an inner and outer diameter. An“annular disc” will be assumed to be an object having an outer diameterand a central aperture thereby providing an inner diameter.

“Axial”—this term will be used to describe a direction taken along thelongitudinal axis of the stem of the nozzle. Thus, “axial force” or“axial stress” will be understood as being a force applied in adirection parallel to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle. In general,the term “axial stress” is used herein to refer to an axial expansionstress unless otherwise noted.

FIG. 1 illustrates a nozzle weld testing apparatus as known in the artand as taught in U.S. Pat. No. 6,463,791. As shown, the nozzle 10,includes a stem 11 and a flange 12 joined to one end of the stem by aweld 13. The opposite end of the stem 11 is joined to an opening in thevessel 14 by means of another weld 15. It will be understood that thevessel wall would normally have a curved cross section, as shown in FIG.1; however, for convenience, the remaining figures illustrateschematically a flat wall. It will also be understood that the stem 11may extend partially within the vessel 14 as is commonly known. Again,for convenience, the stem of the nozzle is shown in the present figuresas terminating at the vessel wall. The apparatus of the invention wouldtherefore be adaptable to suit any configuration. The testing apparatusof the prior art includes a first, inside seal plate 16 that is placedwithin the vessel 14 so as to seal the inside end of the nozzle. Theapparatus also includes a second, outside seal plate 17 that ispositioned against the flange 12 and joined thereto by means of bolts18. It will be understood that gaskets, O-rings, and other such sealingmembers will be used as known in the art to achieve the desired sealing.For example, a seal between the inside plate 16 and the wall of thevessel 14 may be achieved using an O-ring 19. The inside and outsideseal plates 16 and 17 are joined together by one or more tie rods 20.Tightening of the tie rod 20 causes the inside plate to be sealedagainst the inner surface of the vessel wall. This results in the volumeof the nozzle 10 being sealed off. A port 21 is used to introduce apressurizing fluid into the nozzle volume. In order to conduct the test,the pressure within the nozzle is raised to the desired level andmonitored. Any pressure drop or leakage is indicative of a weakness orleakage in the welds 13 and 15.

As discussed above, the prior art apparatus, although efficient andaccurate, applies a radial force or stress against the welds 13 and 15.As will be understood by persons skilled in the art, a further stressthat the nozzle would be subjected to in normal operation is an axialforce resulting from the pressure of the contents in the vessel 14impinging upon the flange 12.

FIG. 2 illustrates a nozzle testing tool according to one aspect of thepresent invention. As shown, a nozzle 30 includes a pipe portion, orstem 32 and a flange 34, similar to the nozzle illustrated in FIG. 1.The stem 32 is connected to an opening in a vessel wall 36 by means ofwelds 38. The flange 34 of the nozzle is connected to the stem 32 bywelds 40. For the purposes of this description, the term “vessel” isused to mean any type of equipment having a nozzle attached thereto.Thus, a “vessel” may include a pressure vessel, holding tank, a pipeetc.

The apparatus of the invention includes a blind flange 42 that is boltedto the flange outer face. This is done using bolts 44 and associatednuts 45, with the bolts extending through the boltholes normallyprovided on the flange face. Although not shown, it will be know topersons skilled in the art that gaskets etc. may also be used at theinterface between the flange and the blind flange. On the opposite endof the nozzle, a back plate 46 of the apparatus is provided within thevessel. As shown, the back plate 46 generally comprises a pan having abase 48 and a generally perpendicularly extending rim 50. The back plate46 is sized to be larger than the vessel opening so that the rim 50contacts the inner surface 33 of the vessel wall 36. The rim 50 is alsoprovided with a sealing means 52, such as an O ring or the like so thatthe rim 50 forms a pressure seal with the vessel wall 36, as describedfurther below. For convenience, the sealing means 52 will be furtherreferred to as an O ring; however, it will be understood that thisterminology is not meant to limit the sealing means 52 in any way.

The back plate 46 is provided with one or more tie rods 54 that extendthrough the nozzle 30, the tie rods having first ends 51 attached to theback plate 46 and second ends 53 extending outwardly through the nozzle30. The tie rods 54 may be permanently attached to the back plate 46 bywelds etc. or may be secured thereto with nuts etc. (in such case, theback plate 46 will be provided with suitable apertures for receiving therod first ends 53). Alternatively, the tie rods may include threadedends for engaging complementary threaded holes in the back plate 54.Various alternatives will be apparent to persons skilled in the art forattaching or securing the tie rods 54 to the back plate 46.

The second ends 53 of the tie rods 54 extend through the flange 34 ofthe nozzle and through apertures 56 provided in the blind flange 42. Thetie rods 54 are provided with a sealing means 58 to ensure that theapertures 56 on the blind flange are sealed. The sealing means maycomprise for example a packing gland, an O ring etc. In one example, thesealing means comprises a packing box as commonly known in the art. Forconvenience, the sealing means 58 will be referred to herein as apacking gland; however, it will be understood that such terminology isnot meant to limit the sealing means 58 in any way. As discussed furtherbelow, upon installation of the apparatus of the invention within anozzle, the combination of the packing glands 58 and the O ring 52establishes a sealed space or region 60 within the nozzle bounded by theback plate 46, the blind flange 42 and the nozzle segments (i.e. thestem 32 and the flange 34) and a portion of the vessel wall 36. In thisregard, it will be understood by persons skilled in the art that thenumber of tie rods 54 required will depend upon the diameter of the toolbeing used. For example, for smaller diameter tools, a single tie rod 54may be sufficient. However, for larger diameters, a plurality of tierods may be required, with such tie rods being circumferentiallyequidistantly spaced.

The blind flange is also preferably provided with a fill port 62 and avent port 64. Such ports serve to allow a pressurizing fluid to enterwithin the sealed space 60. The vent ports are connected known equipmentsuch as piping, hoses etc., not shown, which, in turn, are connected toother needed equipment such as a source of the pressurizing fluid,pressure gauges, etc., also not shown. The apparatus may optionally alsoinclude one or more fill or vent ports 66 provided on the back plate 46.Various other means of filling and venting the sealed space 60 will beknown to persons skilled in the art.

As described in the art, in conducting an integrity test on the welds 38and 40, the sealed space 60 is first created and then filled with apressurizing fluid so as to pressurize the sealed space 60 to a desiredhigh pressure value. The pressure is then monitored to determine theintegrity of the welds. As known in the art, any pressure loss signifiesa leaking weld.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the apparatusof the invention allows for the development of an axial expansion forceon the welds while the pressure test is being conducted. As explainedabove, the application of such an axial stress serves to provide moreaccurate test results by simulating “normal” operating conditions. Morespecifically, the apparatus of the invention is further provided with afront support plate 68 that is axially outwardly separated from theblind flange 42, that is, in a direction away from the nozzle 30. Aplurality of separator rods 70 are also provided having a first end 71adjacent the vessel and a second end 73 directed away there-from. Thefirst ends 71 of the separator rods 70 are preferably provided with abearing pad 72 positioned against the outer surface 35 of the vesselwall 36. The bearing pad 72 may comprise a single unit, in which casehaving a generally annular shape. Alternatively, a number of individualpads may be provided on the ends of each of the rods 70. The second ends73 of the separator rods 70 extend through apertures provided in thefront plate 68. Nuts 74 are provided on the second ends of the separatorrods 70 so as to locate and lock the front plate 68 in the desiredposition, a set distance away from the blind flange 42. For thispurpose, it will be understood that the second ends 73 of the separatorrods are adequately threaded to allow the front plate 68 to be adjustedlongitudinally along the central axis of the nozzle to the desiredposition. It will also be understood that the separator rods arepreferably circumferentially equidistant with respect to each other soas to equally divide the load there-between.

The front plate also includes apertures to receive the outer ends 53 ofthe tie rods 54 as shown in FIG. 2. The tie rods are the secured,preferably in a releasable manner, to the front plate. In a preferredembodiment, the tie rods 54 are secured to the front plate 68 by nuts76. Washers 78 may also be provided. As indicated above, the oppositeends of the tie rods 54 are secured to the back plate 46. Thus, as willbe understood, as the nuts 76 are tightened, the back plate 46 is forcedagainst the inner surface 33 of the vessel wall 36 and, with theinclusion of the seal 52, the back plate 46 eventually forms a seal withthe vessel wall. As will also be understood by persons skilled in theart, with the combination of the tie rods 54, the front plate 68 and theseparator rods 70, any tightening of the nuts 76 (to cause the backplate 46 to bear against the inner surface 33 of the vessel wall 36)results in an opposing force applied by the first ends 71 of separatorrods against the outer surface 35 of the vessel wall 36 (the latterforce preferably being conducted through the bearing pads 72). Thus, aswill be understood, no compressive force is applied to the flange 34 ofthe nozzle 30. In the result, any pressure built up within the sealingarea 60 results in an axial force being applied to the inner surface ofthe blind flange 42. However, since the blind flange 42 is secured tothe flange 34 of the nozzle, such axial force is therefore also appliedto the nozzle and, in turn, to the welds 38 and 40. As will beappreciated by persons skilled in the art, a pressure test conducted inthis manner would more accurately simulate normally occurring stressesand enable the test results to be more dependable.

In one embodiment, the bearing pads 72 of the apparatus may compriseelectromagnets so as to allow the first ends 71 of the separator rods 70to be positively located on the outer surface 35 of the vessel wall 36prior to engaging the nuts 76 coupled to the tie rods 54. As will beunderstood, this will aid in installing the apparatus since, in suchcase, the front plate 68 would not need to be held while tightening thenuts 76. Electromagnets of this type are commonly known. The associatedelectrical connections and power source etc. are not shown forconvenience.

A further embodiment of the apparatus of the invention is shown in FIG.3 where like elements are identified with the same reference numeral butwith the letter “a” added for clarity where a change is included. Inthis embodiment, the need for a front plate (as discussed above) isobviated. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the apparatus includes ablind flange 42 a and a back plate 46 a. The blind flange 42 a comprisesgenerally a plate having a number of boltholes through which are passedbolts 44 when the blind flange is mounted in position. The blind flangecan be secured to the open outer face of the flange 34 using the bolts44 and the associated nuts 45 as is commonly known. The blind flange 42a also includes fill and vent ports 62 and 64 as discussed above. Asalso mentioned above, it will be understood that any type of gasket orother such sealing means can be provided between the blind flange andthe flange face to provide the needed seal. Such gaskets are commonlyknown in the art.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the back plate 46 a of this embodimentcomprises a base 48 a and a perpendicularly extending rim 50 a. Asbefore, the back plate 46 a is sized to be larger in diameter than theopening in the vessel wall 36 for receiving the stem 32 of the nozzle.An O ring 52 or such seal is provided at the terminal end of the rim 50a so as to enable a seal to form between the rim 50 a and the inner 33surface of the vessel wall 36. Preferably, the terminal end of the rim50 a includes a groove to receive the O ring. The back plate 46 a alsoincludes a flange 80 extending radially outward from the base 48 a. Itwill be appreciated that the flange 80 may be integral with the base 48a. As before, the back plate 46 a may include one or more ports 66 a.

The flange 80 is provided with a plurality of holes adapted to receivebolts 82. The bolts 82, in turn, are connected to electromagnets 84 byeither welding or screwing the sections together. In one embodiment, themagnets 84 are provided with a nut 85 into which the bolts can bescrewed. Nuts 86 are also provided on the opposite ends of the bolts 82for securing the back plate thereto.

The operation of the apparatus of FIG. 3 will now be described. Firstlythe blind flange 42 a is positioned and secured to the outer face of theflange 34 by means of the bolts 44 and the associated nuts 45. The backplate 46 a is then positioned against the inner surface 33 of the vesselwall 36. Preferably, the bolts 82 are already provided on the flange 80of the back plate 46 a, albeit in a loose manner. Once the back plate 46a is in the desired position (i.e. covering the opening in the vesselwall 36), the electromagnets 84 are activated. Such activation causes anattractive force to be developed between the magnets 84 and the innersurface 33 of the vessel wall 36. As will be understood, such attractionis possible where the vessel wall is made of a ferrous metal. In oneembodiment, the magnets 84 can be provided on a ring and secured to theinner surface 33 at one time. It will be appreciated that this optionwould offer the convenience of having all magnets, with the associatedbolts 82 secured in pre-set relative positions so that placement of theback plate 46 a onto the bolts 82 is facilitated. Various othervariations of such attachment means will be apparent to persons skilledin the art.

Once the magnets 84 are activated and secured against the vessel wall36, the nuts 86 are tightened causing the rim 50 a of the back plate 46a to be forced against the inner surface 33 of the vessel wall 36. Thenuts 86 are tightened until a sufficient seal is developed between therim 50 a and the inner surface 33 of the vessel wall 36. As indicatedabove, an O ring or other similar device is provided to assist informing such seal. With the back plate 46 a thus positioned and with theblind flange secured to the flange 34 face, a sealed space 60 is formedas discussed above. At this point, by means of one or more of the ports62, 64, and 66 a, a suitable pressurizing fluid is introduced to filland pressurize the sealed space 60. Such pressure is then monitored fora period of time so as to assess the integrity of the welds 38 and 40.As before, it will be understood that with no axial compressive forceapplied to the nozzle, the pressure within the sealed space 60 serves toexert an axial expansion force on the nozzle elements and, therefore, onthe welds 38 and 40. Such axial force simulates normally occurringforces during operation of the nozzle and vessel. Thus, the inventionprovides an accurate assessment of the weld integrity.

Electromagnets 84 are commonly known and available and the requiredelectrical connections and power source etc. are not shown in thefigures for convenience. It will be understood that the strength of themagnets 84 will depend upon various factors including the weight of theback plate 46 a, the pressure developed within the sealed space 60 etc.Persons skilled in the art will be easily able to determine the requiredmagnetic strength based on these variables.

In the above description, the back plate 46, 46 a has been described ascomprising a single piece. However, in consideration of weight and size,the back plate may also be provided in two or more section to facilitateentry of same into the vessel. In such case, it will be understood thatthe back plate sections will be provided with a connection means such asflanges for receiving bolts etc. Also, an appropriate sealing means willalso be provided so as to seal any joints between the sections making upthe back plate.

FIG. 5 illustrates a variant of the apparatus of FIG. 3 where likeelements are identified with the same reference numeral but with theletter “b” added for clarity where a change is included. In FIG. 5, theflange portion of the nozzle is not shown for convenience but will beunderstood to be the same as that shown in FIG. 3. That is, theapparatus of FIG. 5 includes the same blind flange as shown in FIG. 3.In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the back plate 46 b comprises a cageformed from support bars. The bars may be provided in any orientationsuch as parallel, intersecting, or as radii. FIG. 6 illustrates oneexample of the back plate 46 b of FIG. 5. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, theback plate 46 b includes a flange 80 b which includes a plurality ofapertures 100 through which extend the bolts 82. A plurality of supportbars 102 are provided across the diameter of the flange 80 b. It will beunderstood that the “cage” can be constructed in any shape orconfiguration to serve the purposes outlined below.

As with the embodiment described above, the bolts are secured toelectromagnets 84, which bear against the inner surface 33 of the vesselwall 36. The back plate flange 80 b is secured to the nuts 82 by meansof nuts 86.

The back plate 46 b shown in FIG. 5 includes a cup-like insert 90contained within the rim 50 b. The insert generally has a base 92 and agenerally perpendicularly extending rim 94. The insert 90 is orientedwith its opening directed towards the opening in the vessel wall and isprovided with a seal such as an O ring 96 on exposed edge of the rim.

The back plate 46 b of FIG. 5 is installed in generally the same manneras with the apparatus of FIG. 3 described above. However, it will beunderstood that, in this case, the insert 90 is also installed. Once theelements of the back plate 46 b are in position, and after theelectromagnets 84 are activated, the nuts 86 are tightened. Upon suchtightening, the insert 90 is advanced against the inner surface 33 ofthe vessel wall 36 so as to form a seal between the wall surface 33 andthe edge of the rim 94. As will be appreciated, the O ring 96 serves tofacilitate the formation of such seal. In order to ensure that the rim50 b does not interfere or limit the advancement of the insert 90against the vessel wall, and therefore potentially limit the formationof the seal, it is preferred that the rim 94 of the insert 90 extendsbeyond the rim 50 b of the back plate 46 b. As shown in FIG. 5, it ispreferred that a degree of clearance be provided between the vesselinner surface 33 and the edge of the rim 50 b. Once the back plate 46 bis installed, the blind flange (such as that shown at 42 a in FIG. 3)can also be installed and the weld integrity test conducted.

It will be appreciated that the apparatus of FIG. 5 has variousadvantages. Primarily, by providing a back plate 46 b in the form of acage, or support structure only (i.e. with a number of opening formed bythe members forming the cage), the weight of the back plate isconsiderably reduced. This facilitates the carrying and installation ofthe back plate. The insert 90 would preferably be made from anypreferably rigid, lightweight material such as plastic, metal (e.g.aluminum) etc. thereby providing the same reduced weight advantages. Thecage portion of the back plate 46 b would be designed to providesufficient support strength to the material of the insert 90 while thetest is being conducted.

It will be understood that the above discussion has used geometric termssuch as annular, circumference etc., for ease of reference. However,these terms should not be construed as limiting the invention to anyspecific shape of nozzle and various modifications of the apparatus willbe apparent to persons skilled in the art to adapt same to any shape ordesign of nozzles. Also, as discussed above, it will be understood thatthe shape of various parts of the apparatus (particularly thosecontacting the vessel wall) will be complementary to the shape of thevessel.

Although the invention has been described with reference to certainspecific embodiments, various modifications thereof will be apparent tothose skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe invention as outlined in the claims appended hereto. The disclosuresof all prior art recited above are incorporated herein by reference intheir entirety.

1. A weld testing apparatus for testing welds securing a nozzle to avessel, said nozzle having a stem portion welded to an opening in thevessel wall and an opposite flange portion extending outward from saidopening, the flange having an outer face, wherein, when in use, theapparatus comprises: a blind for mounting on said flange outer face forsealingly closing the flange; a back plate for mounting within thevessel to close the vessel opening; an urging means biased against theinner or outer surface of the vessel wall for urging the back plateagainst the interior surface of the vessel wall to form a sealthere-between; and a means for pressurizing the space within the nozzlebetween the blind and the back plate; wherein, the urging meanscomprises: a front plate for mounting in front of the blind, the frontplate having a support means biased against the outer surface of thevessel wall; one or more tie rods connected to and extending between thefront plate and said back plate and through said blind; and, and atightening means for forcing the back plate towards the front plate. 2.The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said tightening means comprises one ormore nuts provided on threaded ends of said tie rods.
 3. The apparatusof claim 1 wherein said support means comprises two or more support rodseach having a first end biased against the wall of the vessel and asecond end connected to the front plate.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3wherein the first ends of the support rods include one or more magnetsfor attachment to the vessel wall.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 whereinsaid urging means further comprises: one or more attachment meansattached to the inner surface of the vessel wall, each of saidattachment means including a threaded rod for extending through a flangeprovided on the back plate; and, one or more nuts associated with eachof said threaded rods for forcing the back plate against the innersurface of the vessel wall.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein saidattachment means comprises magnets.
 7. A weld testing apparatus fortesting welds securing a nozzle to a vessel, said nozzle having a stemportion welded to an opening in the vessel wall and an opposite flangeportion extending outward from said opening, the flange having an outerface, the apparatus comprising: a blind for mounting on said flangeouter face for sealingly closing the flange; a back plate for mountingwithin the vessel to close the vessel opening; a front plate formounting in front of the blind, the front plate having a support meansbiased against the outer surface of the vessel wall; one or more tierods connected to and extending between the front plate and said backplate through said blind; a means for urging the back plate towards thefront plate; and, a means for pressurizing the space within the nozzlebetween the blind and the back plate.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7wherein said means for urging the back plate comprises nuts provided onthreaded ends of said tie rods.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein saidsupport means comprises two or more support rods each having a first endbiased against the wall of the vessel and a second end connected to thefront plate.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the first ends of thesupport rods include one or more magnets for attachment to the vesselwall.
 11. A method of testing the integrity of a weld securing a nozzleto a vessel, said nozzle having a stem portion welded to an opening inthe vessel wall and an opposite flange portion extending outward fromsaid opening, the flange having an outer face, the method comprising:sealing the flange outer face with a blind; providing a back platewithin the vessel, said back plate being larger than the opening;biasing an urging means against the outer surface of the vessel wall;connecting the back plate to the urging means and forcing the back platetowards the vessel wall to form a seal there-between; creating a sealedspace within the nozzle, said space being bounded by the inner surfaceof the nozzle, the blind and the back plate, said space encompassing aregion containing said weld; filling and pressurizing said space with apressurizing fluid; monitoring said pressure.
 12. A method of testingthe integrity of a weld securing a nozzle to a vessel, said nozzlehaving a stem portion welded to an opening in the vessel wall and anopposite flange portion extending outward from said opening, the flangehaving an outer face, the method comprising: sealing the flange facewith a blind; providing a back plate within the vessel, said back platebeing larger than the opening; urging the back plate towards the vesselwall, by applying a biasing force against the outer surface of thevessel wall, to form a seal there-between; creating a sealed spacewithin the nozzle, said space being bounded by the inner surface of thenozzle, the blind and the back plate, said space encompassing a regioncontaining said weld; filling and pressurizing said space with apressurizing fluid; said pressurizing fluid also applying a radialexpansion stress against the nozzle and an axial expansion stressapplied against the flange; monitoring said pressure.